Lomita Railroad Museum is a great little stop, perfect for train fans of all ages. While there are no trains to ride here, there are plenty of things to see and do. The museum is tucked away in the middle of a residential district, a few miles north of Long Beach, California. Housed in a turn-of-the-century railway depot, the little museum is the cornerstone of a community park. If you are a railfan or have children who are train-crazy, the Lomita Railroad Museum is well worth a look.
History of the Lomita Railroad Museum
The museum was established in the 1960s by Irene Lewis, a railroad enthusiast from Lomita, who aimed to preserve Southern California’s railroad heritage. The museum officially opened its doors on June 23, 1967. Lewis led the project and modeled the design after Boston & Maine’s Greenwood Station, a 19th-century depot located in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Today, the museum is operated by the Lomita Railroad Museum Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to educating the public about railroad history.
Exhibits and Highlights
Inside the train depot, a collection of railway artifacts includes conductor hats, railroad lanterns, spikes, clocks, whistles, and photographs. Additionally, a small gift shop offers toys, hats, T-shirts, and train patches. There is also a table set up with a wooden train for toddlers, making it a perfect play area for young children.
Outdoor Exhibits: The museum’s outdoor yard features full-scale, restored railroad cars and equipment. Most of the museum’s rolling stock is accessible for exploring, including the steam engine caboose.
- Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive #1673 (1911): This impressive 4-6-2 Pacific-class engine comes with its tender. Visitors can climb aboard for a close-up view of the firebox and cab.
- Union Pacific Caboose (1910): An early wooden caboose with period furnishings that offers insights into the life of railroad crews.
- Santa Fe Caboose (1950s): A modern steel caboose that contrasts with older models, highlighting the evolution of rail transportation after World War II.
- Union Oil Tank Car (1923): A vintage tanker that illustrates oil transport during the early automotive era.
- Southern Pacific Box Car (1913): This outside-braced wooden freight car is representative of early 20th-century shipping practices.
Special Events and Programs
The museum hosts educational tours for school groups (pre-K through 12th grade), special needs organizations, and seniors—reservations required via the website. Occasional family-friendly events, such as craft fairs or “Family Fun Days,” pop up seasonally (check the museum website for details). They also offer email newsletters for updates on restorations and pop-up exhibits.
Getting to the Lomita Railroad Museum
The collection focuses on Southern Pacific and Union Pacific lines, which were vital to the region’s growth. It’s especially appealing for kids, who love exploring and climbing.
- Location: 2137 West 250th Street, Lomita, California (near the Torrance border; free parking on-site).
- Hours: Open Friday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays through Thursdays.
- Admission: Free entry; donations are encouraged to support maintenance.
- Accessibility: The museum is mostly outdoors, with gravel paths, which may pose challenges for wheelchair users. The depot is single-story, but no ramps or elevators are explicitly mentioned—call ahead for specifics. Guide dogs are welcome.
Nearby Points of Interest
South Coast Botanic Garden, 3 miles (10-minute drive): The South Coast Botanic Garden, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California, is an 87-acre botanical garden known for its diverse plant collection and unique history. Wander 87 acres of lush gardens with 2,500+ plant species, koi ponds, and rose displays.
Redondo Beach Pier, Redondo Beach, 7 miles (25-minute drive): Bustling waterfront featuring arcade games, fresh seafood restaurants, and street performers. Stroll along the 1,500-foot pier for stunning ocean views and try the churros at Pier Bakery. Free entry.
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, 13 miles (25-minute drive): Experience a variety of sea creatures from Southern California, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific, all in one location! Both kids and adults will enjoy the Aquarium’s touch tanks and be amazed by the Shark Lagoon and the Penguin Habitat. The Aquarium of the Pacific showcases over 12,000 marine animals.